The world's top designers and architects are being invited to come up with a design for a new bridge to be built in a Warwickshire town.

The competition to create a new pedestrian and cycle bridge for Stratford-upon-Avon will be launched at MIPIM, the largest international property show in the world, in Cannes tomorrow.

All the architects and engineers attending the show have been invited to a special presentation about the project and John Deegan, director of environment and economy at Warwickshire County Council, said it had been booked up quickly.

Mr Deegan said: "I hope that the European tender will draw in many prestigious architects and engineers, including those from local companies.

"Stratford-upon-Avon has an international reputation, and there is no doubt the prospect of designing a new bridge for the town will be extremely attractive to many architectural practices. I hope that as a result, we will get the very best design."

Chris Saint, Warwickshire County Council's cabinet member for economic development, said: "The £2 million funding for the bridge will come from phase one of the World Class Stratford bid.

"It is only one of many projects that will come forward over the next few months that I believe will be of a world class standard, befitting a town of international repute."

The bridge competition will be run by the Royal Institute of British Architects.

A design should be agreed within a year, with construction possibly starting in 2008. ..SUPL: